Sun Protection
See
this!
This page is here mainly a reference for the many patients I see with sun
damaged skin who need advice about products to protect against further damage. I
see 25 - 50 patients a year with skin cancers, virtually all squamous cell
carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma. Neither is very often life threatening but
can cause significant trouble. Malignant Melanoma is significantly more life
threatening but much rarer.
UVB radiation is the main cause of skin burning. However it is thought that UVA
radiation is the main trigger for skin aging and skin cancer promotion. The UVA
protection rating of sunscreen is indicated by the star rating (1 to 5) usually
on the back of the bottle.
Remember the best protection is covering up in the sun with clothes, hat, sunglasses,
and avoiding exposure where possible.
Sunscreens alone are unsatisfactory. By
allowing longer exposure they may even increase the risk especially if the UVA
protection of the sunscreen is poor. However, using sunscreen remains important.
Most people with healthy skin will manage well with the common sunscreens. I
personally like the Ambre Solaire range which I have found reliable. However
there are a number of products available for specific circumstances. Although I
cannot vouch for them they claim to provide a useful role;
L'Oreal Solar Expertise factor 60 is readily available at many
Chemists, a non greasy milk ideal for daily use. SunSense daily
face, a SPF 60 non-oily daily use cream suitable for under makeup etc. See this PDF
file for full product range including other high factor products.
For these and a range of others try; Alliance Pharmacy, Trescobeas, Falmouth
auravita.com
westons.com
Typharm
Ltd tel 01 603
735200 For
more information about UV radiation, look at the
National
Radiation Protection Board page
Richard James. Last updated
24 April 2008
Please note that information and advice provided on this web site is intended
only for residents of the United Kingdom
| 
